Conducting Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigations in Higher Education
Delivered in-person
About the course
Workplace investigations into gender-based violence, sexual harassment and related conduct require more than procedural compliance. When conducted poorly, they risk re-traumatising the people involved and producing unreliable outcomes.
Under the National Code, providers must require staff involved in responding to formal reports, conducting investigations, or determining disciplinary proceedings to have specific expertise, including in trauma-informed and person-centred approaches, the effects of trauma on behaviour and memory, and procedural fairness (Standard 3.16). Where providers don't have this expertise in-house, they must engage external expertise (Standard 3.18).
This workshop equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct investigations that are rigorous, fair and safe.
Who is this for?
Workplace investigators, HR and employee relations professionals, integrity and compliance officers, and anyone responsible for conducting or overseeing workplace investigations in higher education.
What you'll learn
After completing this workshop you will have:
a thorough understanding of trauma, its neurobiological impacts, and how these affect memory, recall and behaviour in investigation interviews
an understanding of gender-based harm, unlawful sexual harassment and sex discrimination in the higher education context
practical skills to conduct investigation interviews using the P.E.A.C.E framework adapted for trauma-informed practice
the ability to place the impacted person at the centre of the process without compromising principles of procedural fairness
techniques for managing power dynamics, supporting respondents, and ensuring a fair process for all parties
knowledge of the regulatory framework, including the National Code, WHS obligations and the positive duty.
What you'll take away
Intersection's Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigation Guide (developed with Rely)
A practical guide to triaging matters and determining investigation scope
A trauma-informed interview planning checklist.
Workshop details
Format: In-person (face-to-face) at your campus or virtually via Zoom or MS Teams
Length: 4 hours with a 15-minute break
Participants: Up to 25 (recommended maximum 20)
Approach: Content presentation, practical skill-based exercises including simulated interviews
Customisation: Content can be tailored to your institution's investigation policies and procedures.
